Car production up by nine per cent

The number of cars made in the UK rose more than nine per cent last year, official figures out today showed.

A total of 1,628,020 cars were produced - 9.1 per cent more than in 2001, said the Office for National Statistics.

Although the number made for the home market dipped by 2.8 per cent in 2002, cars made for export rose by 17.1 per cent.

"After a relatively weak 2001, it was encouraging to see output rise above 1.6 million units again last year," said Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' chief executive Christopher Macgowan.

"Britain is still a major player in the production league with eight key car manufacturing sites and a host of specialist sports car makers. No other country in Europe can boast such depth and diversity."